Mogwai Announces UK Tour with Insights from Stuart Braithwaite
Scottish post-rock giants Mogwai have revealed their return to the live music scene, scheduling a series of tour dates for February 2026. Formed in Glasgow in 1995, the band has grown into a formidable force in the post-rock genre, now entering their fourth decade together with continued success.
New Album and Tour Details
Earlier this month, Mogwai released The Bad Fire, the highly anticipated follow-up to their chart-topping album As The Love Continues. The band will embark on an 11-date UK-wide tour, culminating in a performance at the Royal Albert Hall in March and a slot supporting The Cure in August. Guitarist Stuart Braithwaite joined a Zoom interview to discuss the band's journey ahead of these events.
The Power of Lyric-Free Music
Over the years, Mogwai has earned a reputation for exhilarating and immersive live performances. They launched their own record label, Rock Action Records, and produce music that is largely lyric-free, allowing them to communicate through intricate soundscapes. Braithwaite believes this approach connects deeply with audiences and has helped build a strong international fan base.
"I think that music is very universal," Braithwaite admitted. "I love music with lyrics. But there's a connection that you're missing if you don't understand the language or the nuances. So I think it's definitely helped us in some ways. Although I'm sure if we had loads of big choruses, we'd probably be on the radio a bit more, but I'd probably rather get the trips to Japan," he said with a chuckle.
Collaborations and Film Scores
In addition to studio albums, Mogwai has developed a successful sideline in film and television scores. Notable projects include:
- A documentary film on French football legend Zinedine Zidane
- The soundtrack album for The Fountain
- A collaborative soundtrack for Fisher Stevens' documentary Before The Flood
The latter involved Nine Inch Nails bandmates Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, who contributed to Mogwai's track Midnight Flit. Reflecting on this experience, Braithwaite shared:
"First of all, it was a huge honour," he said. "I grew up listening to Nine Inch Nails. They were one of the first bands that I got into. So, to actually be in a project with someone whose music you grew up with was a massive honour. I remember the day we got the song that Trent and Atticus had made their own version of. It was like a real 'Is this happening?' moment. They're one of the really big bands that I look up to a lot. They're very true to their vision, and they're incredible live."
Running Rock Action Records
Since 2011, starting with their seventh studio album Hardcore Will Never Die, but You Will, Mogwai has released records under their Rock Action Records label. Braithwaite discussed the challenges of running a label while performing full-time:
"I guess we just have to deal with a few things that some bands don't," he admitted. "I'm really proud to do it and really glad we employ some of our friends to help us. A lot of bands, once they've finished making a record and decided on the sleeve, don't have to think anything more about it, whereas we have to think about every element. I was nosy anyway, even when we were on other labels and wanted to know what was going on. So yeah, it's all fine."
Fan Support and Band Longevity
In 2021, Mogwai achieved their first UK No. 1 album with As The Love Continues, a surprise to Braithwaite. The album became the best-selling in independent record stores and the best-selling vinyl of the week, thanks to dedicated fans. Braithwaite expressed gratitude:
"I'm just super grateful that people buy our music and come and see us," he said. "I would urge anyone who likes someone’s music to buy something from them, whether it’s a record or a t-shirt, because that’s the way musicians survive these days. We're very privileged, but I know it's harder than ever, so I'd definitely urge people to support any music they like by buying from the band."
Since adding keyboardist Barry Burns in 1998, Mogwai has maintained a consistent lineup. Braithwaite attributed their longevity to:
"I think we're quite self-critical and we don’t take anything too seriously. We are lucky that we've found a bunch of people who could all put up with each other," he said with a laugh.
Mogwai's tour includes a stop in Birmingham on February 14th, with tickets available for purchase.
